Texas is a great place to live, but we’re no strangers to hurricanes, thunderstorms, and other incidents that can wreck your home. It’s not just weather. What would happen if your HVAC technician gets bit by a rattlesnake while working on your property? What if your tree crashes down on your neighbor’s fence? Obviously, understanding your policy options from homeowners insurance companies in Texas is really important. The most commonly-asked questions by Texas homeowner like yourself include the following:

Will my insurance be expensive?

First things first, the good news. Texas is not the most expensive state to insure your home. Now, the bad news. The average home insurance cost in Texas is $3,429. The average home insurance cost in Texas is more than the national average, due to our constant hurricanes. This makes finding a great policy even more important, because it won’t be affordable otherwise!

What does basic insurance cover?

The basic components of a home insurance policy that you decide the coverage amount for include your dwelling, liability, and deductible. A policy that offers $200,000 dwelling coverage,

$1,000 deductible, and $100,000 liability is pretty typical. The limits of your coverage are typically a set percentage of your dwelling coverage limit. It is often something like:

Personal property – 50 percent

Other structures – 10 percent

Loss of use – 20 percent

What coverage do I need?

The best homeowners insurance means getting the right coverage for you. But, how much coverage is right? This means you should get enough dwelling coverage to match the full replacement cost of your home. The cost to repair damage to your home or rebuild it completely at equal quality, at current prices, is the replacement cost. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a really bad situation after a catastrophic loss like a fire. Liability insurance covers the medical expenses of people who are hurt while in your home, as well as damage caused to neighbors’ property. Personal liability also covers legal fees if you are sued, like if a neighbor trips and is injured on your property.

Shouldn’t I go with the lowest monthly payment?

Just like your auto insurance, you pay a certain amount each month and if an accident or incident should occur, the policy covers the rest. The lower your monthly premium, the higher your deductible. This is the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in. For example, if your home has $5,000 worth of damage, and you have a $1,000 deductible, you pay the first $1,000 out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in for the rest of the $5,000. Is it better to have a higher premium and a lower deductible? The choice is yours; there’s pros and cons to each.

It’s easy to be a little confused and overwhelmed by all of this, but it’s too important to get wrong. Take your time and calculate exactly what kind of coverage you need. Take your time and you will know for sure you have a policy with the right company!

If we talk about Income tax there are some questions which are automatically occurred in our mind. What is the Income Tax? Why we have to pay Income Tax? Is paying Income Tax helpful? Income Tax Filing process is the taxpaying process to the government which is offered by business, associations, individuals and other employees who worked for the government. Filing Income Tax is not required but it’s helpful service to maintain and build road, bridges and other property for citizens if any person takes initiative to pay taxes from their annual wages.

Simplify Tax is a leading online platform for all the taxpayers of India who earned or has an income of net more than 2.5 lakh or 3 lakh annually. We help and guide individuals to pay their tax from their yearly income. In India paying tax is necessary for all the persons who earned money in a fiscal year, we provide the best free Online Income Tax Return filing process for all the residents and non-residents on India. Simplify Tax provides various services like- Free Income tax Consultant, DIN Registration Process, PAN Card Registration Process, TAN Registration Process, Free Income Tax e Filing, GST Registration Process and ITR filing in India. We provide the best service of above all process with full guidance and assistance with technical support.

For filing ITR in India, everyone should have an accurate knowledge of tax and it’s necessary to know and understand each and every tax-paying schemes or tax-saving scheme, there are different tax-saving ways for better understanding and help individuals, the tax department field has broadly categorised the income into many stages –

Pension or Salary
Senior citizens
Rental house or property of individuals
Wealth gain or earned from the funds, selling of property, mutual funds etc,
Different origins like investments or interest on a savings account, getting a lottery or won in a competition.
Any business or occupation which applies to those like self-employed persons, tuition teachers, doctors, lawyers, contractors and others who do not have a fixed monthly salary.
Filing Income tax in India is a complicated task for many peoples. These required much official information, documents and papers for the taxpaying process, PAN or TAN card process and GST registration process. But it has now become easier and user friendly with the whole process being digitalized. Simplify Tax help you with step by step in your every process and make easy and comfortable for you. We provide all Income Tax Return e Filing assistance to our customers and guide them with our expert staff. We help them to understand why income tax return filing is important and how they get to benefit from that. We provide them with free income tax consultant in India. You must go to our website for any tax services related and save your time and energy with Simplify tax.

While taking a stroll in his neighborhood park one quiet evening, Rohit and I happened to bump into a very old college friend Virat. Rohit, a financial planner working for a reputed mutual fund house, and Virat, a manager at a factory of a reputed FMCG company, used to debate on various regional, national and global issues that got the pair well-known during college debate competitions. After reminiscing the good old days of ‘who delivered the best speech’, the two old buddies sat down to enjoy the sun-set when Rohit caught the attention of a mutual fund ad placed strategically outside of the park railings. “Mutual funds are a good way to invest your money in!” says Rohit. “No! Never!” said an alarmed Virat. “I would never dream of putting my money into such an investment channel. Do you know that it’s all a gamble? A sham? My wife once tried investing in such a scheme but lost all what she invested in after constantly reminding her of the consequences.” Virat continued to disagreed and insisted that they were unreliable which surprised Rohit and I a lot. He left in a hurry shortly after.

How can this dear friend think like this? Clearly he seemed to be quite against the idea of investing in mutual funds. Why so? Is there any reason for this kind of dislike towards mutual funds? Rohit and I wondered, and came up with 5 possible reasons for Virat’s reaction.

Inadequate awareness: There are various reasons contributing to his dislike towards mutual funds and why a vast majority of people believe them to be unsafe and unsecure. A huge mistake that anyone would make is to not ask or question the reason behind investing in mutual funds closely followed by believing strongly in what others think about mutual funds. According to popular perception, and added to it by the standard disclaimer : people are led to believe that mutual funds are risky.
The fact is that all investment products carry their own inherent risks, some more than others. Equities are a higher risk instruments than fixed income instruments like Bonds, but both carry risks. Since mutual funds are vehicles with these underlying assets, they too carry that risk. What this means is that while mutual funds are risky, all financial products carry their own level of risk, hence mutual funds are not riskier than others, it is the underlying asset class that carries most of the risk. If people take away that mental block that mutual funds are risky avenues of investing your hard earned money, then they will continue to be hesitant about ever venturing into such instruments. Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the trade association of mutual funds in India, launched a media and communication campaign – “Mutual Funds Sahi Hai”, as a part of the investor awareness outreach program. The campaign aims to position mutual funds as a preferred investment option for potential investors.

Too much of a headache!: Take for instance the scenario where Virat disagrees with Rohit regarding investing in mutual funds. To educate Virat about investing in mutual funds will be a big daunting task for him. He would find it too complicated and difficult to understand how to go about it and would rather give it a miss. For Virat, investing in other avenues like bank fixed deposits or insurance policies seem to be much simpler and easy to understand. In fact, opening a mutual fund account has become just as simple as any other financial institution by submitting information through an online KYC (Know Your Customer) facility. As a fund house, we pride ourselves on a completely paperless investing process and e-KYC.
No assurance on returns: Many a times, investors want guaranteed returns when investing in mutual funds. But that is not the case. There is no guarantee in this world but when investors start to invest, they want assured returns without giving importance to achieving their goals.
No faith in the markets: Investors tend to have very little or no faith in the stock market. As an investor, one needs to understand that mutual funds are not only about stocks but also debt funds like bonds, treasury bills etc. which can be safer avenues than equities.
Once bitten, twice shy: Investors who have invested heavily in mutual funds tend to back out due to losses attained by market fluctuations, or other investors known to them have faced similar situations. Reasons could be that they might have picked in a mutual fund that didn’t perform well or may have chosen a fund that didn’t match their risk appetite. This all boils down to the first point i.e. lack of awareness. It is always advisable to consult a financial expert when it comes to making any financial decisions.
To conclude, Virat needs to understand mutual funds a little bit more before arriving at the fact that they are bad avenues. If he invests in a few funds, he would gain some confidence, and then eventually he would be able to choose those funds that match his risk appetite as per the goals he sets along with periodic reviews as and when required. Rohit and I are planning to call him soon and convert him! Let us know when we can call you and make you a mutual fund evangelist by writing to us on [email protected]!

Disclaimer, Statutory Details & Risk Factors:

The views expressed here in this article are for general information and reading purpose only and do not constitute any guidelines and recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader. Quantum AMC / Quantum Mutual Fund is not guaranteeing / offering / communicating any indicative yield on investments made in the scheme(s). The views are not meant to serve as a professional guide / investment advice / intended to be an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial product or instrument or mutual fund units for the reader. The article has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other sources believed to be reliable. Whilst no action has been solicited based upon the information provided herein, due care has been taken to ensure that the facts are accurate and views given are fair and reasonable as on date. Readers of this article should rely on information/data arising out of their own investigations and advised to seek independent professional advice and arrive at an informed decision before making any investments.

Back in the days, if you recall going home to break your exam results to your parents, it wasn’t an easy thing to do. After scoring 60% in one of the papers which was rather tough, you come up with a range of explanations making your parents understand how difficult the paper was. You then go on to claim that most of your classmates scored lower marks or that the class topper scored 68% which wasn’t too far from your own score. But, after giving all the valid reasons to convince them that the paper was a tough nut to crack, you are however reprimanded for not performing well. Surely, you would be disappointed that they are not trying to reason with you as to how tough the paper was.

Now take for instance a mutual fund’s performance for the past one-year period. It came down 7.5% during that period. In this case would it be right to say that the fund performed badly? It would be fair to compare the fund’s performance to a standard as you compared your performance to that of your classmates. A standard is thus the fund’s benchmark that helps to facilitate the understanding of any performance.

What is a Benchmark? It is but a common thing that an investor would notice in his/her inbox on a regular basis, the various marketing communication emails and mutual fund advertisements declared by fund houses that particular funds have earned XX% returns and that if invested in such funds, investors would earn such returns. It is important to understand the significance of using a benchmark for the purpose of effective comparison which sadly many investors fail to understand. Since 2012, for the sake of standardization, SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has made it mandatory for fund houses to declare a similar return in INR and by way of CAGR in addition to the scheme benchmark performance.

A scheme’s benchmark is an index that is decided by its fund house to serve as a standard for the scheme’s returns. The BSE Sensex and Nifty are the most generally used benchmarks in India for mutual fund investments. Other benchmarks are Nifty 500, Nifty 100, CNX Midcap, CNX Smallcap, S&P BSE 200 etc. Investors are given an opportunity to compare the performance of their investments with that of the broader market. Take for instance you are investing in a diversified equity fund that is benchmarked against the BSE Sensex. Its returns are thus compared with that of BSE Sensex. Hence a large-cap fund’s performance needs to be compared against a large-cap benchmark and vice-versa. Once you know the performance, you can decide whether to enter or exit a mutual fund.

Mutual Fund Performance with respect to the Benchmark This is always the case that a mutual fund gets hit with force whenever the market scales new heights or comes crashing down. Let’s take for instance a diversified equity fund – Fund A is benchmarked against the Sensex. Its returns are hence compared with that of the Sensex. Now suppose the fund achieved 40% returns though the Sensex earned 50% returns, it would mean that Fund A underperformed its benchmark. While on the other hand, if the fund achieved 50% returns and the Sensex generated only 30%, it would mean that Fund A outperformed its benchmark. There are some situations where a fund generates similar returns as that of its benchmark. Such cases are said to be considered as fund underperformances as the main intent of actively managed equity mutual fund investing is to perform better than the benchmark.

Outperformed or Underperformed

Mutual Fund Performance with respect to the Benchmark

If returns are greater than its benchmark returns Fund has outperformed

If returns are lesser than its benchmark returns Fund has underperformed

A benchmark is an important tool that helps to measure a fund’s performance. To avoid any misunderstandings, an appropriate benchmark needs to be selected. Keep in mind that a benchmark performance is not the only criterion to select a mutual fund to invest in. Therefore, consult your financial advisor, understand your own risk appetite and assess your needs before taking any investment decisions.

Understanding the Role of a Mortgage Broker
A mortgage broker’s primary role is to help you navigate the complex world of home loans. They can offer a variety of mortgage products from different lenders and assist you in finding a loan that aligns with your financial goals. According to a report by the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), mortgage brokers settled 59.1% of all residential home loans in Australia during the September 2020 quarter, highlighting their significant role in the mortgage industry.

Research and Preparation
Before engaging a broker, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your financial situation and the type of loan you’re seeking. Research potential loans online and familiarize yourself with current market rates. This preparation will enable you to critically assess a broker’s recommendations.

Broker Compensation: Commissions and Implications
Mortgage brokers typically earn money through commissions paid by lenders, which can influence the products they recommend. There are two main types of commissions:

Upfront Commission: A percentage of the loan amount, which could incentivize brokers to recommend larger loans.
Trail Commission: A recurring percentage paid over the life of the loan, which may not require the broker to provide ongoing services.
Understanding how your broker is compensated is crucial to ensure their advice is not biased towards higher commissions.

Qualifications, Experience, and Professionalism
Verify that your broker is licensed and inquire about their qualifications and experience. Brokers in Australia are required to have at least a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking, but those with additional qualifications, such as a diploma or membership with the MFAA, may offer a higher level of expertise.

Ensuring Your Best Interest
Choose a broker who receives the same commission rate regardless of the lender or product to minimize conflicts of interest. A reputable broker will be transparent about their compensation and referral fees.

Lender Panel Diversity
A broker’s lender panel is the selection of banks and lenders they can access. A diverse panel suggests a broader range of loan options. However, it’s not just the size of the panel that matters; it’s how the broker utilizes it to find the best fit for your needs.

Clear Loan Choices and Explanations
A good broker will present you with multiple loan options and explain the pros and cons of each. Be wary of brokers pushing interest-only loans without fully explaining the long-term implications.

Documentation and Legal Obligations
Request a written copy of the Credit Guide and Credit Assessment, which outline your financial situation, the broker’s commission, and contact information for complaints. Brokers are legally required to provide these documents and adhere to responsible lending laws.

The Impact of Renegotiating and Switching Lenders
Renegotiating your interest rates or switching lenders can lead to significant savings. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that borrowers who renegotiate or refinance can save on average $850 annually on their mortgage, with potential savings increasing for larger loans.

In conclusion, selecting the best mortgage broker in Sydney requires due diligence, understanding of industry practices, and a clear assessment of your financial needs. By following these guidelines, you can find a broker who will help you secure a mortgage that is both affordable and suitable for your long-term financial health.

Today, we share with you 5 priceless thoughts by these investment experts. We are sure this will inspire your financial journey forever.

“I will tell you how to become rich. Close the doors. Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful.” – Warren Buffett Okay, so this comes from one of the richest men in the history of investment. But haven’t you also read something similar in our communications :. Dear investor, if you wish to turn your investment into wealth then you must know that one needs to invest when the markets are down, so you could find good value and not when the index hits high and makes everything expensive.
“The individual investor should act consistently as an investor and not as a speculator.” – Ben Graham Been there, said that – didn’t we. A disciplined investor will never speculate. Speculation is akin to gambling and that’s the last thing we want you to do with your hard earned savings. Meet your investment objective with careful planning and selecting the right fund that will help you get there. Ignore market noise and focus on completion of your financial goal.
“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” – Robert Kiyosaki We have always emphasized on the fact that one needs to start investing from the time they get their first pay cheque. It doesn’t matter how much you earn, but how much to invest. Remember, investing your hard earned money helps it grow. Also a small start could potentially have a grand finale. Remember it should be Salary – Investments = Spends and not Salary – Spends = Investments
“Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas.” – Paul Samuelson How much ever boring it might sound, that ‘boring’ stuff is exactly what would work for you in the long run. Long term investing in equity mutual fundsWill help you reach your financial goals better.
“Our favorite holding period is forever.” – Warren Buffett Markets are volatile in nature. The tendency of reading and reacting to short term market conditions in investing is detrimental to the health of one’s investing life! Not only does it end up robbing investors of returns but tends to discourage investors from making further investments. Investors who have burned their fingers are likely to distance themselves from stock markets forever and convince others too, if it were possible. Instead a good investor follows the Law of the Farm. For a great harvest a farmer must carefully plan, work consistently and diligently over a long period of time. This quote is valid especially in today’s day and age when the markets are running up and everyone seems to be making a beeline to invest in stocks. Don’t be hasty, check your risk appetite, do your homework and invest accordingly. The India growth story is decades long and the markets will see many bull (and bear) runs during this time. So invest for the long term. Invest wisely.

Disclaimer, Statutory Details & Risk Factors:

The views expressed here in this article are for general information and reading purpose only and do not constitute any guidelines and recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader. Quantum AMC / Quantum Mutual Fund is not guaranteeing / offering / communicating any indicative yield on investments made in the scheme(s). The views are not meant to serve as a professional guide / investment advice / intended to be an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial product or instrument or mutual fund units for the reader. The article has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other sources believed to be reliable. Whilst no action has been solicited based upon the information provided herein, due care has been taken to ensure that the facts are accurate and views given are fair and reasonable as on date. Readers of this article should rely on information/data arising out of their own investigations and advised to seek independent professional advice and arrive at an informed decision before making any investments.